James Bond: These Five Studios Are Vying for Distribution Rights to 007

Universal, Warner Bros. and more in contention.

By
Alex Osborn

The release of Spectre in 2015 marked the end of Sony Pictures' four-film contract to distribute James Bond movies, and now five studios are vying to secure the distribution rights to the iconic film franchise.

According to The New York Times, sources who wished to remain anonymous report that Sony, Universal Pictures, Warner Bros., 20th Century Fox and Annapurna are meeting with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and Eon Productions in an effort to secure distribution rights to the next 007 film.

Unlike Sony's four-movie deal, which spanned Casino Royal, Quantum of Solace, Skyfall and Spectre, MGM and Eon's current offer is for a one-film contract. Sony made its pitch earlier this week, highlighting the studio's strong knowledge of the franchise and its ideas for broadening the series.